Wildfires rage across Europe
The Iberian Peninsula and the Balkans battle devastating blazes as emergency services work to contain them
Wildfires continue to ravage southern Europe, affecting countries including Spain, Portugal, Greece, France, Turkey, Albania, Montenegro and Bulgaria. The blazes have been fuelled by an intense August heatwave, with temperatures in many areas soaring above 40°C, forcing thousands to evacuate.
Spain
More than 20 major wildfires are burning across Spain, affecting Galicia, Castile and León, Extremadura, Asturias, Madrid and Andalucía. Catalonia has also been severely affected this summer, with two huge blazes in Lleida and Terres de l’Ebre causing significant damage.
Over the past week, the fires have scorched more than 115,000 hectares. Three people have died, bringing the country’s wildfire death toll this year to seven. High-speed train services between Madrid and Galicia, operated by Renfe, were suspended last week, and Adif, the state-owned rail infrastructure manager, confirmed this morning that the suspension would remain until further notice.
A section of the renowned Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, which attracts visitors from around the world, has also been closed due to the fires. The closure affects 50 km of trail between Astorga and Ponferrada in Castile and León.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the deployment of an additional 500 military personnel to support firefighting efforts, bringing the total number of troops mobilised to 1,900. Spain has also requested European Union (EU) assistance, activating the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, which sent two firefighting planes to Galicia. Other countries, including Portugal, Greece, Albania, Montenegro and Bulgaria, have also activated the Civil Protection Mechanism this month to tackle ongoing wildfires.
Portugal
Over the past week, eight major fires have caused widespread damage and prompted the deployment of thousands of firefighters. Preliminary figures indicate that 139,000 hectares have been burned so far this year – 17 times the area affected during the same period in 2024 – with almost half lost in the last few days.
Greece
Around 5,000 firefighters, supported by 33 aircraft, were deployed last week to combat blazes near the western city of Patras and on the tourist islands of Cephalonia, Zakynthos and Chios. These fires have forced the evacuation of residents and tourists, with multiple hospitalisations reported due to smoke inhalation.
Southern Europe has been grappling with wildfires since the start of summer, with Greece and Cyprus hit by major blazes in July.